Strike Blues
Struggling Amidst Hard Times: John Lee Hooker's Reflection
Lyrics
Oh Lord, oh Lord, baby.
Expressing distress or a plea for help, invoking a higher power.
What in the world gonna become of me?
Questioning the future and expressing uncertainty about personal circumstances.
I don't know, I don't know, baby.
Reiterating uncertainty and a lack of knowledge about the future.
Lord, Lord, Lord.
Further emphasizing the distress and seeking divine intervention.
What in the world gonna 'come of me?
Repeating the concern about an uncertain future in difficult times.
These hard times, hard times, baby
Acknowledging and expressing the challenges posed by difficult times.
'Bout to get the best of me.
Indicating that the hardships are taking a toll and might become overwhelming.
You know Ford Chrysler, God knows, been under.
Mentioning Ford and Chrysler, possibly referring to economic struggles and job-related issues.
For ninety days, already.
Stating a duration of a strike, suggesting prolonged economic hardship.
Was one thing, now people.
Expressing confusion about changes in people's behavior during the strike.
Lord, I sho' can't understand, oooh.
Expressing inability to comprehend the impact of the strike on personal circumstances.
What in the world gon' become-a me?
Repeating the concern about an uncertain future due to the ongoing strike.
This doggone strike.
Referring to the ongoing strike as a significant, troublesome event.
Soon it's gon' become over, people.
Anticipating the end of the strike but expressing doubt about personal survival.
God knows my life can't last any longer.
Expressing a sense of desperation and limited life expectancy.
I go to the welfare.
Mentioning seeking assistance from welfare due to challenging circumstances.
This is what the welfare said:
Quoting the response from welfare, indicating meager support.
'Look-a-here now, man.'
Quoting welfare's advice on basic food items, emphasizing scarcity.
'One type-a, a-beans an one can-a tripe.'
Describing the limited and undesirable food options suggested by welfare.
I said, 'NO'!
Rejecting the suggested food options as inadequate or unacceptable.
God know, that will never do.
Asserting that the suggested welfare provisions are insufficient.
If Ford Chrysler will end this strike.
Expressing a desire for the end of the strike to alleviate personal difficulties.
God knows, God knows.
Reiterating a plea for divine intervention and expressing uncertainty about the future.
I don't know what I'm gonna do, um.
Conveying uncertainty and distress about the unknown future in the absence of resolution.
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